Despite gender controversy, South African runner Semenya wins women’s 800 at worlds
By APWednesday, August 19, 2009
Gender-tested SAfrican wins women’s 800 at worlds
BERLIN — South African teenager Caster Semenya shook off a gender-test controversy to win the 800 meters at the world championships with a stunningly dominating run.
The 18-year-old Semenya took the lead halfway through the race Wednesday and won in a world-leading 1 minute, 55.45 seconds, beating defending champion Janeth Jepkosgei of Kenya by a massive 2.45 seconds. Jennifer Meadows of Britain took bronze.
The world track and field federation requested the gender test on Semenya about three weeks ago amid speculation she does not meet the requirements to compete as a woman.
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